(Newser)
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Looking for extraterrestrials? You might want to start with Saturn’s moon Titan. Scientists have ranked it the alien world most capable of supporting life, according to a “Planetary Habitability Index,” the BBC reports. The index takes into account the planet or moon’s surface, the presence of an atmosphere, and the planet’s usable energy; both Mars and Jupiter’s moon Europa were runners-up.

Researchers also ranked planets’ life-sustaining abilities according to an “Earth Similarity Index.” That scale measured planets based on “Earth-like conditions,” says a scientist, including size and density. Topping that list was Gliese 581g, an exoplanet believed to be in the Libra constellation. Within our own solar system, Mars was rated most Earth-like, with Mercury coming in second. This weekend, scientists will launch NASA's biggest-ever Mars rover to get a closer look at the planet's habitability.

So here's a question: if we think Titan is the most likely to have life, why are we not sending the new rover there? Maybe Mars has fossils, maybe, but if there is a more likely option then what are we doing covering the same planet over and over again when there is a better stomping ground?

ExceleRater

Nov 24, 2011 7:46 PM CST

I wonder how Martians have ranked earth for livability?

finkster

Nov 24, 2011 12:28 PM CST

And the winner for the "Most Livable Place in Our Solar System" for 2011 is..........(drum roll) Saturn's Moon, TITAN!!!!...... There you have it folks....Titan barely beat out Mars and Mercury..... Here she is.....Miss "Most Livable Place in Our Solar System" Here she is.....Your ideal.......